Every once in a while, it’s refreshing to step away from projects, deadlines, and selections to experience places that inspire creativity in a completely different way. This trip to Oregon was one of those experiences.

My husband and I flew into Portland to celebrate some dear friends, and one of the first things that caught my attention was the ongoing renovation of Portland International Airport. Even in the middle of construction, the design is incredible. The warmth of the wood, the natural materials, and the abundance of natural light immediately reminded me why I love thoughtful architecture and spaces that feel connected to their surroundings.

After spending time with friends, we began our road trip. My husband grew up in Portland, and on previous visits we’d mostly stayed in and around the city. This time, he wanted to show me more of the state and the incredible natural beauty Oregon has to offer.

Our first stop took us down the Oregon Coast on our way to Florence. Growing up along Florida’s Gulf Coast, I’m used to soft white sand and calm water. The Pacific Northwest couldn’t be more different. Towering rock formations rise from the ocean, dramatic cliffs overlook the shoreline, and every bend in the road seemed to reveal another breathtaking view. I found myself completely mesmerized by the landscape.

In Florence, we ventured out onto the Oregon Dunes in dune buggies. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, but it was also one of the most unique landscapes I’ve ever experienced. Endless rolling sand dunes meeting evergreen forests is a combination I never expected to see.

The following day we crossed into Northern California to drive through a section of the Redwoods, a bucket-list experience for me. Standing beneath those towering trees is incredibly humbling. It’s hard to comprehend their scale until you’re there in person.

That evening we stayed at a campsite just outside Crater Lake National Park beside a beautiful river in the quiet countryside of eastern Oregon. Waking up surrounded by towering pines and the sound of flowing water was the perfect start to the next day.

Crater Lake itself somehow exceeded every expectation. The deep blue water almost doesn’t look real, and the views from around the rim are simply unforgettable. It’s one of those places that photographs never fully capture.

From there we continued toward Fossil before spending the afternoon exploring Bend, another town that perfectly blends outdoor adventure with thoughtful architecture and charming local businesses. Finally, we made our way back to Bethany, just outside Portland, before catching our flight home to Tennessee.

Every trip leaves me inspired in different ways, and this one was no exception. Whether it was the use of natural materials in architecture, the rugged coastline, towering forests, or the incredible landscapes, Oregon has a way of reminding you that good design often begins with paying attention to nature.

Until the next adventure.